Friend in need, friend indeed: China donates 1.6 billion FCFA-worth food assistance to gov’t.

A ceremony to receive the vital humanitarian aid held at the Littoral Governor's Office in Douala. The food assistance, which is part of China’s humanitarian food aid to Cameroon, comprises mainly rice and wheat. 

Speaking during the ceremony, the representative of the Chinese Ambassador, explained that the assistance will be shipped in batches. He revealed that the entire consignment will comprise some 880 tons of wheat and 1,630 tons of rice.

The official disclosed that what has already been shipped into Cameroon is 418 tons of rice and 462 tons of wheat. He went further to indicate that the remaining consignment is expected to arrive June 22, 2026.

Gov’t expresses gratitude to China 

Speaking during the ceremony, MINAT boss, Atanga Nji Paul, on behalf of the Head of State, Paul Biya, expressed the gratitude to China for the gesture. 

"On behalf of the Head of State, President Paul Biya, we wish to express profound gratitude for this wonderful gesture," he stated.

Atanga Nji said the government of China has being a friend in need and a friend indeed to the government of Cameroon. 

He said China not comes to the aid of Cameroon in food assistance but also supports several development projects vital to Cameroon’s development. 

The member of government cited some infrastructure projects powered in Cameroon by China such as the Yaounde Conference Hall, the Yaounde Multi-purpose Sports Complex and that Paul Biya's Glass House among many others.

These, he said, are visible signs that speak volumes of the vitality, strength and diversity of Sino-Cameroon relations.

"President Paul Biya has visited China eight times. It indicates that the relationship between China and Cameroon is very solid and receiving this huge consignment of rice and wheat is an indication that everyday is a strong relationship which is being reinforced," the minister added.

He added that: "China has always being a solid partner and as the representative of the Ambassador said, China will remain a strategic partner to Cameroon"

Immediate distribution of aid to beneficiaries 

Minister Atanga Nji also used the occasion to assure the Chinese officials that the donated food aid will be distributed to the actually beneficiaries with immediate effect.

He said the food aid is destined for population of the two conflict-hit North West, South West,  Far North and East Regions.

"We have taken the commitment that as from tomorrow, it will go to the various destinations," he assured the Chinese authorities.

Officials immortalise ceremony 

Promise made, promise kept 

The donation from China, it should be recalled, is the fulfilment of a promise which the Chinese Ambassador made last April. This was during an audience Minister Paul Atanga Nji grated the Chinese diplomat. Both officials had used the audience to discuss the smooth progress of the food aid project. 

Atanga Nji had assured the Ambassador that his ministry is already working on mobilising teams to ensure that distribution is carried out as quickly as possible. 

Minister Atanga Nji had also said the audience reflected the shared commitment to sincere and lasting collaboration between the two countries. 

Cameroon, China ties booming, bearing many fruits 

Cameroon and China maintain a strong, comprehensive and strategic partnership. China is one of Cameroon’s leading investor, creditor, and trading partner. 

Collaboration between both nations is massive on infrastructure projects such as dams, roads, ports, trade, and agriculture, with plans aimed at boost Cameroonian exports via zero-tariff policies. 

Key areas of collaboration include infrastructure development, as China is a primary financier for large-scale projects, including hydroelectric dams, highways, and the Kribi deep-sea port. 

In trade and investment, China and Cameroon are aligning its SND30 national development strategy with Chinese investment to shift from raw material export to local processing, particularly in agriculture and raw materials.   

Focusing on security and technical support, bilateral military cooperation between both countries covers anti-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post No 3822 Friday, June 19, 2026